Until now, Chromebook buyers have had to make a choice. You could get either a cheap laptop with cheap components or the premium-but-ridiculously-expensive Chromebook Pixel. When Google says that HP's new $279 Chromebook 11 is 'inspired' by the Pixel, it's not about components - the Chromebook 11 lacks the high-resolution touchscreen, the high-end Ivy Bridge CPU, and the solid aluminum construction - the Pixel's banner features. Rather, it's about making a laptop that makes enthusiasts happy without the Pixel's sticker shock.

The first non-Pixel Chromebook that actually looks decent and makes me want to buy it - except, what's with the crappy battery life? Only 6 hours on such a small ARM laptop?